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Sir Michael Pitt was asked by ministers to conduct an independent review of the flooding emergency that took place in June and July 200

The government should:

• establish a Cabinet Committee dedicated to tackling the risk of flooding, bringing flooding in line with other major risks such as pandemic flu and terrorism
• publish monthly summaries of progress during the recovery phase of major flooding events, including number of households still displaced
• ensure proper resourcing of flood resilience measures, with above inflation increases every spending review
• establish a National Resilience Forum to facilitate national level planning for flooding and other emergencies
• have pre planned, rather than ad hoc, financial arrangements in place for responding to the financial burden of exceptional emergencies
• publish an action plan to implement the recommendations in this review, with regular progress updates.

Publishing his Independent Review into the floods of 2007 Sir Michael said: “During the year I have received more than one thousand written submissions from the public, consulted widely and visited communities to see for myself the extraordinary hardship so many families across the country are facing. It is unacceptable that one year on, thousands of people remain in temporary accommodation.

“Research published as part of my report today shows that the risk of flooding continues to escalate; making the events that shattered so many communities last year an ever increasing threat. I urge the government to show leadership and urgently set out the process and timescale for improving resilience in the UK. The recommendations in my report are realistic and affordable and should be made a priority. Waiting for another serious event is a dangerous ‘strategy of luck’; we need to act now to protect our future.”

Sir Michael also expressed concerns about the quality and availability of flood risk information currently available to emergency responders and the public: “We need to be more willing to tell people the truth about risk. The current lack of clarity and transparency has the potential to put not only people’s homes, but lives in jeopardy. People purchasing a property in a flood risk area should be made aware of the potential for flooding so they can make informed choices, including on taking out insurance. While the current flood code system needs to be simplified, with earlier and more personalised warnings issued jointly by the Met Office and Environment Agency that say what they mean and give clear advice."

Response from Defra

In response to the report Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn said: "I welcome Sir Michael's report and the direction it sets. I will deliver a detailed response on behalf of Government that includes a prioritised action plan in the autumn."

Further information

The full report can be found on the Pitt Review website.

• Pitt Review of the 2007 floods Opens new window